Like many Metalheads, I started listening to Metal Church with the release of their classic self-titled debut way back in 1984. I also got into the follow-up record, The Dark (1986)…..another classic! Metal Church had made a serious name for themselves in a short period of time. Over the years, I haven’t really given the band much thought. I reach for the first two albums but subsequent releases like Hanging In The Balance or Masterpeace just left me looking for something from Metal’s past.

In 2004, with new vocalist Ronny Munroe at the helm, Kurdt and company released The Weight Of The World. I heard some bits and pieces but I never got around to buying it, the lineup changes and change of direction had turned me off.

Enter 2006. Another Metal Church record…..A Light In The Dark. I picked it up the day of release and let it sit in the pile. I pulled it out on vacation last week and gave it some spins. At first listen, I didn’t like it. The music was good but Munroe’s vocals bothered me it sounded like he was trying too hard, straining and forcing. After at least a dozen more listens, I’ve decided that Ronny Munroe has that grit, that roughness that makes the songs seem harder. Reminds me of original Metal Church vocalist David Wayne (R.I.P.) crossed with Tim Owens (ex-Judas Priest, current Iced Earth/Beyond Fear).

This album is a grower. There is some killer guitar here and the songwriting is OK. All in all…..a good album, not a classic. Fave tracks here: A Light In The Dark, Beyond All Reason, and Watch The Children Pray 2006. The good news is that the band has new life and has an eye for the future. Metal Church has also given me a reason to pick up The Weight Of The World and revisit everything after The Dark.

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2 comments on “Metal Church – A Light In The Dark (2006)”

I have not heard this and won’t buy it unless it ends up in the bargain bin. With the drummer change Vanderhoof is now the only original member left in the band which makes me feel like it’s more likely his solo album rather than a Metal Church album. Jay Reynolds was in Malice and Ronny Munroe was in some bands in the northwest so they do have some experience. I wish them best, but I am not going to run out buy it. I actually liked Mike Howe just as much as David Wayne.

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